Flaker

Lauren Flaker

Ph.D. Student

Lauren Flaker is an experienced communication strategist, self-proclaimed Question Master, and doctoral student at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. With nearly a decade of professional experience working as a specialist in non-profit communication and community engagement, Lauren is adept at implementing strategy while skillfully managing conflict.

At the University of Missouri, Lauren earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Missouri School of Journalism. While there, she honed her passion for developing effective communication practices. Lauren’s early academic research centered on strategic communication in the realm of advertising, with her master’s thesis exploring sexually explicit imagery in video advertising. As her career has evolved and her academic interests have shifted toward public relations, Lauren’s research has consistently reflected her curiosity and interest in exploring human communication. Currently, her research interests include crisis communication, leadership communication and sports communication. 

In addition to her professional endeavors, Lauren is an avid reader and writer, having been published in The New York Times. She also is a sports enthusiast, running track at the University of Missouri and coaching high school athletes.

PUBLICATIONS

Flaker, L. (2015) “Does sex really matter? The cognitive and emotional effects of sexual explicitness in video advertisements” (Unpublished master’s thesis). Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

MA, Journalism, Strategic Communication, Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri

BJ, Journalism, Strategic Communication, Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri